Q: Is Willow Books & Café part of a chain?
A: No. We are a “one of a kind” independent bookstore, locally owned and operated, serving Eastern Massachusetts. Our “World Headquarters” is in Acton, Massachusetts.

Q: Can I order books on-line at this web site?
A: Yes! You can now use our powerful search engines to look up any book in print! If we have it in stock, you will see the words: "Available for immediate pick-up". Just click the "ORDER" button, give us your name, and we will hold it for you at the store. Nothing could be easier! Now you can check out our inventory and enjoy our famous local service 24 hours a day! .

Q: Is Willow Books & Café really the “largest Independent in Eastern Massachusetts”?
A: Yes. In all of Boston, Cambridge and points east of Rte. 495, there is none bigger. We have over 100,000 titles in 10,000 luxurious square feet of floor space. Our Children’s department alone is bigger than most Children’s Bookstores. And don’t forget about our cozy Café, serving coffee, drinks, snacks, soups and sandwiches.

Q: Do you sell electronic “Gift Cards”?
A: Yes! You can buy them in any denomination and they are good forever! And there are NO additional charges --ever!

Q: What about “Special Orders” or hard-to-find titles?
A: We do thousands of Special Orders every year. Most of the titles on our search engine can be ordered if they are not in stock. Just click on the "ORDER" button and fill in your information. There is no charge for special orders. However, special orders are not returnable.

Q: How do I contact Willow Books & Café?
A: Come on in! Or call us at 978-266-0066. You can also e-mail us at info@willowbooks.net or click on "Contact Us" link.

Q: What if I live too far away or can’t get out to visit Willow Books & Café?
A: The telephone is a wonderful “old-school” technology that can work miracles. If you live very far away, we suggest you visit one of the many fine Independent Bookstores across the country.

Q: Why is it called Willow Books?
A: The Willow Tree has fascinated and beguiled human beings since the dawn of history. The Willow figures prominently in Greek, Roman and Celtic mythology, as well as Chinese and Japanese folklore. In ancient Greece, the Willow Tree was held as sacred to poets and musicians, and the sound of the wind whistling through the willow branches was said to have potent and inspirational effects on the mind. The celebrated poet, Orpheus, was said to have received his gifts of eloquence from the Willow.

In Celtic lore, the Willow was considered a “tree of Enchantment”, with its strong connections to the moon and water. It was also viewed as a symbol of immortality and long life, perhaps due to its medicinal properties.

In modern times, poets, artists, philosophers and dreamers have felt the powerful imagery of the Willow. Although it sometimes connotes sadness and solitude, the Willow Tree, with its quiet beauty, often found beside tranquil streams and limpid ponds, can still inspire reflection and rejuvenation beneath its sheltering canopy of branches and leaves.

A bookstore, too, can offer a respite and intellectual sanctuary from a hectic world. Here, then, beneath the bower of the written word, one can pursue knowledge, entertainment or enlightenment, far from the cares of ordinary life. This place of refuge exists, as it always has, beneath the sheltering Willow of the discriminating mind.